Whether she’s working as a piercer in a tattoo shop or an artist in a gallery or event, Miriam Uhura is open and connecting to others.
She believes community is key, and she creates community constantly in art groups, at work and more. Miriam was Mint’s first guest artist of 2025 and gave an honest and insightful artist talk in July. A self-taught artist from Highland Park, she started painting in earnest in 2020. She creates portraits, often of Black and brown people to tell stories. And just this year, she’s had two solo shows this year, the first at Playground Detroit and then at Norwest Gallery.
“Trust yourself as an artist,” she told Mint. “Your voice is important because that is how you grow and develop in the creative world.”
Artists do not need training to find their creativity and many, including Miriam, teach themselves through trial and error. An artist figures out what looks good and works and what doesn’t over time, she said.
Here’s a few more questions and answers from Miriam’s Mint Artist Talk:
How do you build community? BE OPEN to explore all types of events and new art styles. Do not limit yourself to a box. Learn to network and connect with people. Show up for them.
How do you make art if you have low energy or have no inspiration? Ground yourself and take time.  Do not rush and jump back into working if mentally  you are not ready. Instead be intentional with your art work. Find inspiration from books, conversations with your peers, or even watching TV.
What’s your secret to success? Consistency. Community. Intention, and showing up!
How do find the confidence to explore new art forms? Find a sense of inspiration for the little things and remember to love your art.
How do you manage your goals and keep yourself from unnecessary comparison? Break down your goals so you have the ability to work up to the bigger ones. Embracing comfort in your true self will keep from any forms of negativity.
Miriam’s Tips to Selling Art
- Don’t be too fixated on selling the art work.
- Be yourself.
- Create what you want to create; do not just to sell to earn money.
- Don’t try to keep up with what’s trending. Make your own original artwork.
- Stay within like-minded people and connect with them. People who are interested in your work will talk and learn from those individuals.
Learn more about Miriam Uhura in this interview with Voyage Michigan and in a Mint Instagram post, or in Miriam’s own Instagram.
– by Mintern Ta’Mya Jackson ; photo by Gabrielle Woods and art used with permission of Miriam Uhura
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